considered a failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considered a failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an assessment or judgment about something that did not meet expectations or goals. Example: "The project was ultimately considered a failure due to its inability to deliver the promised results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Anything less than awesome will be considered a failure.

The Guardian - Film

The meeting ends with no new agreements and is considered a failure.

The New York Times

On Wall Street, the effort was widely considered a failure, but Mr. Hambrecht has persisted.

The New York Times

If Mulvey's dismissal was due to results, then the Dutchman's tenure must be considered a failure.

The Guardian - Sport

Anything less than promotion, and it will be considered a failure.

The Guardian - Sport

A huge amount of money was spent and still they were considered a failure.

The New Yorker

The American policy of isolating Burma is largely considered a failure.

The New Yorker

If the army was destroyed, the commander would be considered a failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the past, daydreaming was often considered a failure of mental discipline, or worse.

The New York Times - Science

Until they come to be judged, Neil's entire family life must be considered a failure.

The New York Times

But Schumacher's return could by no means be considered a failure.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "considered a failure", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the considering. This adds clarity and credibility to the assessment.

Common error

While "considered a failure" is in the passive voice, overuse can make your writing sound weak. Consider active constructions when appropriate to convey a more direct assessment. For example, instead of "The project was considered a failure", you could write "Reviewers considered the project a failure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considered a failure" typically functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state or condition. Ludwig confirms that it's a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "considered a failure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote that something has been evaluated as not meeting expectations or achieving its desired outcome. Ludwig AI validates this, showing its frequent appearance across various reputable sources. While versatile, being mindful of the context and audience will help determine if a more active voice or alternative phrasing like "deemed unsuccessful" or "regarded as a flop" might be more effective. Awareness of these nuances ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deemed unsuccessful

Focuses more on the lack of success, rather than the judgment of failure.

regarded as a flop

Emphasizes a complete and often embarrassing failure.

judged to be inadequate

Highlights a deficiency or lack of required quality.

viewed as deficient

Indicates that something is seen as lacking necessary elements or qualities.

assessed as substandard

Emphasizes that something did not meet the minimum acceptable level or standard.

recognized as a setback

Highlights the negative impact or hindrance caused by the failure.

labeled as deficient

Focuses on the act of categorizing something as having shortcomings.

proved to be a disappointment

Stresses the feeling of unmet expectations and disillusionment.

didn't live up to expectations

Implies a failure to meet anticipated standards or hopes.

fell short of the mark

Indicates that something failed to achieve the desired outcome or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "considered a failure" in a sentence?

You can use "considered a failure" to describe something that hasn't met expectations or achieved its goals. For example, "The experiment was "considered a failure" because it didn't produce the desired results."

What are some alternatives to "considered a failure"?

Some alternatives include "deemed unsuccessful", "regarded as a flop", or "judged to be inadequate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "considered a failure" or "deemed as a failure"?

"Considered a failure" is more common and grammatically preferred. "Deemed as a failure" is less frequent and can sound redundant; it's better to simply use "deemed unsuccessful".

What does it mean when something is "considered a failure"?

It means that, based on certain criteria or expectations, something has been judged not to have succeeded or met the required standards. The phrase often implies a formal assessment or widespread agreement on this judgment.